The mention by Orsini that Dickerson and James were heavily involved in the coaching discussion speaks to a massive shift in thinking at the school. Both men have expressed great displeasure with the way the SMU program has been run in the years since the DP. In both cases they've cited specific examples of the ineptitude of the program and bad attitude presented by the university. They weren't just spouting off for no reason, they wanted change and were trying to tell anyone who might listen how to do it. I don't fault them for that at all.
In James case, I believe he pointed out some of the horribly inept things the department did to try to recruit his own son. I think they sent him a form letter and never bothered to make a call. He's now playing at Texas Tech.
When I see that those two are talking to the AD and helped get us a good coach, it tells me that better things are likely ahead for the program.